Header install tips?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 667
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From: Marysville WA
Header install tips?
Ok,
I have read nearly ALL of the header install threads I could find...and there are a lot of them...
I am getting ready to install my new LG Long tubes this weekend and I want to see if there are any tips or " oh sh$ts" I should be aware of to make it painless. I have viewed the instructions posted in other threads so I am fairly confident about the process. What I am looking for is the "gotchas" that can make it a painful process. Tips would be great! Thanks!
I have read nearly ALL of the header install threads I could find...and there are a lot of them...
I am getting ready to install my new LG Long tubes this weekend and I want to see if there are any tips or " oh sh$ts" I should be aware of to make it painless. I have viewed the instructions posted in other threads so I am fairly confident about the process. What I am looking for is the "gotchas" that can make it a painful process. Tips would be great! Thanks!
Guest
Posts: n/a
They are really easy. It is a lot easier with two people; one to feed the headers up from the bottom and one to get a couple bolts started. Girlfriend for five minutes works. Get everything in place before you tighten it down. If the x-pipe is hitting the transmission, twist it until it doesn't. If you coated the headers, grind the coating where the pipes interlock. Be careful when you remove the spark plug boots, they break really easily.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 667
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From: Marysville WA
Thanks John, I will have a buddy helping me and we have a lift so it should be pretty straight forward. What is the best way to remove the boots from the plugs - just pull? I don't have any experience with modern boots, only my 66 Toronado's simple plug wires
Just want to make sure there are no tricks to these new fangled ones.
Just want to make sure there are no tricks to these new fangled ones.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,969
Likes: 8
From: NJ
John, how much do you pay for these girlfriends for 5 minutes? I might take one for maybe 15 tops.
Headers aren't too bad, I've done mine, what... maybe 30 times now. Try to start the first and last bolts first. And don't tighten them more than a few turns before you get the opposite side started.
I like to use the stock bolts, gaskets and locktite. Personal preference.
Make sure you run the O2 lines and stuff out of the way. Double check before you start it. Also check your clutch line if you have one. Heat kills. Get some adel clamps to use on the tunnel plate bolts. Keep the sensor wires away from the cats.
You probably need sensor wire extendors. Not sure with LGs but they probably come with.
If the x pipe is multiple pieces, make damn sure its right before you crank it down. I have to fight with one that is stuck sorta ****-eyed. Makes everything down stream hard to line up without hitting and it will not budge after being clamped.
Headers aren't too bad, I've done mine, what... maybe 30 times now. Try to start the first and last bolts first. And don't tighten them more than a few turns before you get the opposite side started.
I like to use the stock bolts, gaskets and locktite. Personal preference.
Make sure you run the O2 lines and stuff out of the way. Double check before you start it. Also check your clutch line if you have one. Heat kills. Get some adel clamps to use on the tunnel plate bolts. Keep the sensor wires away from the cats.
You probably need sensor wire extendors. Not sure with LGs but they probably come with.
If the x pipe is multiple pieces, make damn sure its right before you crank it down. I have to fight with one that is stuck sorta ****-eyed. Makes everything down stream hard to line up without hitting and it will not budge after being clamped.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 667
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From: Marysville WA
Thanks AintQuik.
The LG's will come with sensor extensions. I checked. I will be using stock replacement gaskets (picked them up at my local Chevy dealer yesterday). I don't plan on using locktite, but rather never seize. Just a habit I have gotten into over the years with header bolts. What do adel clamps look like? Why would I need them on the tunnel plate bolts? Also, do the tunnel plate bolts require a specific torque, or just until they are tight. I will probably use locktite on them though.
Also, I have always been taught that after I tighten down the headers, EVERYTHING else will be tighten from the rear - forward. This is to make sure everything lines up correctly. Does that sound about right? Thanks again.
The LG's will come with sensor extensions. I checked. I will be using stock replacement gaskets (picked them up at my local Chevy dealer yesterday). I don't plan on using locktite, but rather never seize. Just a habit I have gotten into over the years with header bolts. What do adel clamps look like? Why would I need them on the tunnel plate bolts? Also, do the tunnel plate bolts require a specific torque, or just until they are tight. I will probably use locktite on them though.
Also, I have always been taught that after I tighten down the headers, EVERYTHING else will be tighten from the rear - forward. This is to make sure everything lines up correctly. Does that sound about right? Thanks again.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,762
Likes: 4
From: Chandler Arizona
Did my LG's by myself. Very easy install except for running the rear O2 extensions.
TIPS:
1) Take out the OEM cats as one piece with the exhaust manifolds, saves a lot of time and it's not hard to wiggle them out.
2) I pushed the headers up into place and then went to the top side to install the factory bolts. I did not need an assistant.
3) Took off the coil packs on the top side to help access to the header bolts.
4) I used a set of new OEM exh man gaskets, they worked great.
Good luck,
Glenn
TIPS:
1) Take out the OEM cats as one piece with the exhaust manifolds, saves a lot of time and it's not hard to wiggle them out.
2) I pushed the headers up into place and then went to the top side to install the factory bolts. I did not need an assistant.
3) Took off the coil packs on the top side to help access to the header bolts.
4) I used a set of new OEM exh man gaskets, they worked great.
Good luck,
Glenn
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 68
Ok,
I have read nearly ALL of the header install threads I could find...and there are a lot of them...
I am getting ready to install my new LG Long tubes this weekend and I want to see if there are any tips or " oh sh$ts" I should be aware of to make it painless. I have viewed the instructions posted in other threads so I am fairly confident about the process. What I am looking for is the "gotchas" that can make it a painful process. Tips would be great! Thanks!
I have read nearly ALL of the header install threads I could find...and there are a lot of them...
I am getting ready to install my new LG Long tubes this weekend and I want to see if there are any tips or " oh sh$ts" I should be aware of to make it painless. I have viewed the instructions posted in other threads so I am fairly confident about the process. What I am looking for is the "gotchas" that can make it a painful process. Tips would be great! Thanks!
A couple of wooden pegs that will fit into the front and back bolt holes and stick out 1/4" allow you to "hang" the gasket then the header so you can start the center bolts ( if this makes sense ) .
Just start ALL the bolts and plumb eveything first. Then just cinch not tigten all the bolts and make sure the headers do not touch the frame or anything else. You can shift them a little if need be.
Tighten all the bolts and recheck for touching. Then start her up and be happy!
Oh and use many jack stands!!!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 667
Likes: 0
From: Marysville WA
Ok, they are installed and sound awesome. I just finished and will post clips later.
I have a question about the sealing and leaks. I cranked down on all of the seals and even used an air gun to burp em down a little and I have some small leaks at the clamps. They are around where the slit for the expansion is on the pipes where they fit together (if that makes sense).
I did make sure that the pipes were completely inserted into each other and that there was no air/space where the slits are. Then I put the clamp over the slits and tightened them up.
My question is, is that normal and will they "swell up" after they are heated up and seal up a little better?
Thanks and clips will follow shortly
I have a question about the sealing and leaks. I cranked down on all of the seals and even used an air gun to burp em down a little and I have some small leaks at the clamps. They are around where the slit for the expansion is on the pipes where they fit together (if that makes sense).
I did make sure that the pipes were completely inserted into each other and that there was no air/space where the slits are. Then I put the clamp over the slits and tightened them up.
My question is, is that normal and will they "swell up" after they are heated up and seal up a little better?
Thanks and clips will follow shortly